英语学习者口语复述表现结构方程建模研究

A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to EFL Learners’ Oral Retelling Performances

二语表现三个维度(准确性、复杂性和流利度)之间的均衡发展是任务研究力图实现的主要目标。本文利用139名英语专业学习者在无任务前准备条件下的口语故事复述,通过结构方程模型检验英语水平、内容准确性、句法复杂性和流利度之间的复杂关系。研究表明,英语水平直接影响内容准确性,并且通过内容准确性间接影响流利度,但是没有发现其他统计显著性关系。本研究部分支持取舍假说,探讨了内容相对于形式的优先重视、协同和时间压力等因素对任务表现的影响。

A balanced development of the three dimensions of L2 performance(accuracy, complexity and fluency) constitutes the primary goal that task research strives to achieve. This article tests the structural equation model of the complex relationship among English proficiency, content accuracy, syntactic complexity and fluency through 139 English majors’ oral retellings without pre-task planning. Results indicates that English proficiency has a direct effect on content accuracy and an indirect effect on fluency through content accuracy, but no other significant relationship is found. The study partially supports the trade-off hypothesis, and discusses how such factors as prioritization of content over form, alignment and time pressure could make a difference in task performance.